Feed fortifier and enhancer for preruminant calves and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A feed fortifier and enhancer for preruminant, bovine calves comprising animal plasma as well as other ingredients. The feed fortifier and enhancer may be mixed with any liquid feed to be fed to preruminant calves.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a feed fortifier and enhancer for preruminantliquid feedstuffs, and in particular, to a feed fortifier and enhancercomprising animal plasma, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, allicin,direct fed microbials, fructooligosaccharides and a protein ingredient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the most important phases of dairy production is that of feedingand managing dairy calves. Current mortality statistics revealapproximately 20-25% of dairy calves die before reaching maturity. Thesedeaths may be caused by improper nutrition, or more frequently, byinfections due to pathogenic microbial species. However, by supplyingthe calves with the proper mutualistic microbes, limited spectrumantimicrobial compounds which act against pathogens, as well as theproper supplements and nutritional additives, these losses may begreatly reduced.

Physiologically, the newborn calf is not a functioning ruminant. Thecalf is a true functional ruminant approximately twelve weeks afterbirth. The preruminant stage is a difficult time in the health of thecalf because neither the rumen nor the intestinal tract have been fullyand effectively colonized by the mutualistic microorganisms required bythe calf to maintain proper health.

The rumen of bovine species is colonized by microorganisms which serveseveral purposes. The mutualistic microbes within the rumen allow theanimal to breakdown feedstuffs into their component parts, which areused to synthesize microbial protein, which provides the ruminant with aportion of its protein requirement. The microbes within the rumen alsosynthesize and supply many of the nutrients, including most of the watersoluble vitamins, required by the animal. Since preruminant calves arenot true functional ruminants, these calves require a high quality, wellbalanced liquid feed containing all of the nutrients necessary tomaximize growth and maintain health.

Additionally, the intestinal tract of the newborn calf is sterile. Thesterile intestinal tract is then colonized by successive waves ofmicroorganisms. Some of the microorganisms which colonize the intestinaltract during the early waves of colonization may be detrimental to thehealth of the calf. It is therefore important to take steps to inhibitthe growth of any pathogenic microorganisms within the preruminantcalf's intestinal tract, as well as stimulate the growth of beneficialbacteria therein.

Colostrum is a main source of feed for preruminant calves, particularlythe first few days after birth. Colostrum is the milk which is high inimmunoglobulins, and which is secreted by cows, and other mammalianfemales, for the first few days following parturition, and is a mainnutritional source for neonatal calves.

Colostrum is used as a preruminant calf feed for a number of reasons.First, because bovine species do not undergo placental transfer ofimmunoglobulins, neonatal calves have no antibodies to provide themnatural protection against disease. The immunoglobulins present withinthe colostrum provide a level of passive immunity for the calves.Second, the calves' immunity immediately following birth is virtuallynonexistent and their intestinal surfaces basically sterile, therebyproviding a high likelihood that the calves may become infected withhighly pathogenic bacteria immediately after birth. Colostrum is used toprovide protection against colonization of the calf by pathogenicorganisms.

Colostrum is one type of liquid feed known in the art used in an attemptto supply the proper nutrition and immunoprotection to preruminantcalves. However, the use of colostrum as a primary feed for preruminantcalves has several problems associated with it. First, the quality ofthe colostrum, which is based on amount of immunoglobulins containedtherein, varies between individual cows and also declines over time. Thelevel of immune protection afforded a calf from the first milkingcolostrum obtained from the cow immediately postpartum is much greaterthan the level of immune protection supplied by colostrum obtained fromsubsequent milkings. Further, the levels of vitamins, minerals and othernutrients required by the calf found in the colostrum vary from milkingto milking and cow to cow. Additionally, a cow may be "dry", e.g. notgive milk, or may die immediately following birth of the calf, resultingin insufficient colostrum availability.

Another source of nutrition known in the art for a preruminant calf ismilk that cannot be sold but is used as calf feed. Such milk is usuallyobtained from initial milkings following antibiotic treatment of a dairycow for a number of syndromes, including uterine infections andmastitis, and is known as hospital milk, sick cow milk or pot milk(collectively referred to as "hospital milk"). Because this milk isunsalable, hospital milk is fed to calves rather than disposing of it.However, this milk varies in nutritional quality, is not a significantsource of immunoglobulins, and additionally can be the source ofpathogenic bacteria, especially if from mastitic cows. Further, hospitalmilk may contain antibiotic residues within the milk. "Unsalable milk"is defined as milk which can not, by law, be sold for human consumption.Unsalable milk includes both hospital milk and colostrum. Dairyproducers frequently mix all unsalable milk together, includingcolostrum, to be used as calf feed, which dilutes any health benefitssupplied by the colostrum to the preruminant calves.

Finally, whole milk or milk replacer are widely used as liquid feeds forpreruminant calves.

However, feeding whole milk to calves is usually cost prohibitive. Wholemilk may lack sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals needed bypreruminant calves being raised in stressful situations, which mayinclude poor management and sickness. Further, whole milk does notcontain significant levels of immunoglobulins to aid in protectionagainst pathogens.

Non-medicated milk replacers (hereinafter "milk replacers") areformulated feeds designed to replace the dam's milk for calves duringcritical, early suckling or milk feeding stages of life. Milk replacersgenerally contain 20-24% protein, preferably derived from milk products(e.g., whey, whey protein concentrate or skim milk); 10-20% fat,preferably derived from animal fats although other fat sources may beused; carbohydrates, mainly from lactose; and essential vitamins andminerals. Milk replacers are reconstituted with water, mixed and fedaccording to the directions of the manufacturer. For dairy producers, itis generally more profitable to sell the whole milk and purchase a highquality milk replacer to feed the young calves. However, some milkreplacers may vary in quality from other milk replacers and may havelower levels of vitamins and minerals than others. For example, some lowquality milk replacers may lack a sufficient amount of vitamin E, whichis important to promote immunoglobulin production in young calves.Moreover, milk replacers are unlikely to provide any protection to thecalf against harmful microorganisms.

Liquid feed sources for preruminant calves known in the art such ashospital milk or low quality milk replacer suffer from the problem ofbeing unable to supply to the preruminant calves' proper nutritionaldiet that is consistent and of high quality, and generally do notprovide proper protection against harmful microorganisms. Other liquidfeed sources such as colostrum and whole milk may not provide sufficientvitamins, minerals and immunoprotection, especially in stressful timeswithin the preruminant calf's life. The present invention provides asolution to these problems, allowing the user to maintain health,maximize growth, and minimize mortality in preruminant calves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel liquid feedfortifier and enhancer which will overcome the disadvantages associatedwith liquid preruminant calf feed known in the art. Briefly stated, theinvention is a fortifier and enhancer for liquid feed comprising animalplasma, as an improvement, together with other ingredients such asvitamins, minerals, electrolytes, allicin, fructooligosaccharides,direct fed microbials, and one or more proteins that are readilydigestible by a preruminant calf.

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention consists of a liquid feedfortifier and enhancer for preruminant calves which enhances the qualityof the liquid feed fed to calves by providing a consistent level ofnutrition to the calves, by supplying essential vitamins, minerals andelectrolytes, as well as substances to protect against microbialpathogens comprising:

(a) about 50-75% by weight protein ingredient;

(b) about 10-50% by weight animal plasma;

(c) about 2.5-10% by weight micronutrients, selected from the groupconsisting of cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese,selenium, zinc, choline chloride, vitamin C, niacin, d-pantothenic acid,riboflavin, thiamine, menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite,pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, vitamin B₁₂,biotin, biocompatible salts thereof and mixtures thereof;

(d) electrolytes, at less than about 2.5% by weight, selected from thegroup consisting of salts of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, andcombinations thereof, with the electrolytes being in a biocompatibleform;

(e) about 0.8-3.4% by weight of a vitamin E ingredient, when the vitaminE concentration in the vitamin E ingredient is approximately 60,000IU/lb of the ingredient;

(f) about 0.3-1.4% by weight a vitamin A ingredient, when the vitamin Aconcentration in the vitamin A ingredient is approximately 7,562,000IU/lb of the ingredient;

(g) about 0.1-0.4% by weight of a vitamin D₃ ingredient, when thevitamin D₃ concentration in the vitamin D₃ ingredient is approximately15,000,000 IU/lb of the ingredient;

(h) allicin, at less than about 2.0% by weight;

(i) fructooligosaccharides, at less than about 2.0% by weight; and

(j) direct fed microbials, at less than about 1.0% by weight, which areselected from the group consisting of Bacillus coagulans, Bacilluslicheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillusacidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Streptococcusdiacetylactis, and mixtures thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a liquid feedfortifier and enhancer for preruminant calves which will supply aconsistent and high quality nutritional feed for the calves as well assupplying the calf with direct fed microbials and anti-microbial agents,to protect the calf from pathogenic microbes and promote the growth ofmutualistic bacteria within the calves.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a nutritional liquidfeed fortifier and enhancer for preruminant calves that may be preparedquickly and economically, comprising about 64-65% by weight dried whey;about 25-26% by weight animal plasma; about 5-6% by weight Merrick'sHerd Replacer Premix #366; about 2-3% by weight Merrick's Blue RibbonCalf Electrolyte Pack; about 1-2% by weight of a vitamin E ingredient,when the vitamin E concentration in the vitamin E ingredient isapproximately 60,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; a vitamin A ingredient atless than about 1% by weight, when the vitamin A concentration in thevitamin A ingredient is approximately 7,562,000 IU/lb of the ingredient;a vitamin D₃ ingredient at less than about 0.5% by weight, when thevitamin D₃ concentration in the vitamin D₃ ingredient is approximately15,000,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; and Enteroguard™, at less than about1% by weight.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a feedfortifier and enhancer for a liquid feed for a preruminant calfcomprising about 50-75% by weight dried whey; about 10-50% by weightanimal plasma; about 2.5-10% by weight Merrick's Herd Replacer Premix#366; about 1-5% by weight Merrick's Blue Ribbon Calf Electrolyte Pack;about 0.8-3.4% by weight vitamin E ingredient, when the vitamin Econcentration in the vitamin E ingredient is approximately 60,000 IU/lbof the ingredient; about 0.3-1.4% by weight of a vitamin A ingredient,when the vitamin A concentration in the vitamin A ingredient isapproximately 7,562,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; about 0.1-0.4% byweight of a vitamin D₃ ingredient, when the vitamin D₃ concentration inthe vitamin D₃ ingredient is approximately 15,000,000 IU/lb of theingredient; and about 0.03-1.9% by weight Enteroguard™.

It is still another object of the invention to supplement the nutritionof and provide added protection against microbial pathogens topreruminant calves by dissolving about one ounce of the liquid feedfortifier and enhancer of the present invention in about two quarts ofwhole milk, reconstituted milk replacer, unsalable milk or other liquidfeed, and feeding the resulting mixture to preruminant calves asrequired, typically between 1 and 4 times, and preferably twice, perday.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a nutritional liquid feed fortifier andenhancer (hereinafter "feed fortifier") for preruminant calves which hasas an improvement the presence of animal plasma and has severalbeneficial features. In the present invention, a broad spectrum ofingredients are combined to create a novel feed fortifier which iseconomical and easy to use for feeding preruminant calves and willenhance and improve the nutritional diet of the calves while furtherhelping to protect the calves from pathogenic microorganisms and otherharmful diseases.

The feed fortifier of the present invention may be used as a primarysource of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and immunoprotection, or maybe added to other liquid feeds to boost such levels that exist withinthe feed. This additional boost of nutrition and immunoprotection may behighly desirable as a preventative measure, or as added protection intimes of stress in the life of the preruminant calf.

The feed fortifier of the present invention comprises about 50-75% byweight protein ingredient; about 10-50% by weight animal plasma; about2.5-10% by weight micronutrients, selected from the group consisting ofcobalt, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc,choline chloride, vitamin C, niacin, d-pantothenic acid, riboflavin,thiamine, menadione dimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite, pyridoxine, folicacid, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, vitamin B₁₂, biotin,biocompatible salts thereof and mixtures thereof; electrolytes, at lessthan about 2.5% by weight, selected from the group consisting of saltsof sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and combinations thereof, withthe electrolytes being in a biocompatible form; about 0.8-3.4% by weightvitamin E ingredient, when the vitamin E concentration in the vitamin Eingredient is approximately 60,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; about0.3-1.4% by weight of a vitamin A ingredient, when the vitamin Aconcentration in the vitamin A ingredient is approximately 7,562,000IU/lb of the ingredient; about 0.1-0.4% by weight of a vitamin D₃ingredient, when the vitamin D₃ concentration in the vitamin D₃ingredient is approximately 15,000,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; allicin,at less than about 2.0% by weight; fructooligosaccharides, at less thanabout 2.0% by weight fructooligosaccharides; and direct fed microbials,at less than about 1.0% by weight, selected from the group consisting ofBacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis,Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus lactis, Streptococcus diacetylactis, and mixtures thereof.

The inventor has surprisingly and unexpectedly observed that theaddition of animal plasma to a feed fortifier for preruminant calvesresults in measurable health benefits to the calves. Particularly, ithas been noted that the addition of animal plasma to the feed fortifierof the present invention results in a reduced incidence and severity ofscours, a common digestive ailment in preruminant calves, when fed topreruminant calves. By feeding preruminant calves a liquid feed that isrich in animal plasma, it was discovered that generally the overallhealth of the preruminant calves improved, resulting in lower medicalcosts for calf producers. While not intending that the scope of theinvention be limited by the hypothesis, the inventor believes that theanimal plasma may stimulate the immune system of the calf. Further, theinventor has discovered that the addition of animal plasma to the dietof preruminant calves also stimulates the intake of dry feed, resultingin faster weight gain and earlier weaning from liquid feed. It was alsodiscovered that preruminant calves raised under stressful conditions,e.g. poor management, poor sanitation, presence of pathogenic bacteria,ingestion of hospital milk, etc., also perform better to a diet thatincludes animal plasma.

Commercially available animal plasma (Merrick's, Inc., Middleton, Wis.)is present in the feed fortifier of the present invention in amountsranging from about 10-50% by weight, and preferably contains about25-26% by weight. The plasma may be derived from a variety of animalsources, the preferred sources being bovine or porcine plasma or acombination of both.

In order to provide a consistent, well-balanced liquid feed forpreruminant calves that is able to effectively prevent syndromes anddiseases associated with poor nutrition, various micronutrients, hereindefined as "vitamins and minerals," are included in the feed fortifierof the present invention.

Vitamins serve many important purposes in the nutrition of healthypreruminant calves, and the addition of vitamin supplements to liquidneonatal calf feed serves to prevent symptoms of vitamin deficiency aswell as a host of other syndromes. To promote and maintain the health ofpreruminant calves, small amounts of the water soluble vitamins,including thiamine (vitamin B₁), riboflavin (vitamin B₂), d-pantothenicacid, pyridoxine (vitamin B₆), vitamin B₁₂, biotin, choline, niacin,vitamin C, folic acid alone or in combination, are included in the feedfortifier of the present invention.

Bovine species with a functional rumen are able to synthesize all watersoluble vitamins naturally. The resident microflora within the rumenproduce and/or make available the vitamins needed for proper nutritionand health. In preruminant calves, however, the rumen has not becomefully functional, and deficiencies of these required nutrients mayresult. Deficiency symptoms have been demonstrated for these vitamins,and in extreme cases, can lead to mortality which is costly to the calfproducer.

The absence of water soluble vitamins from preruminant calves' diet hasbeen associated with a number of health problems in the calves. Theseinclude paralysis of the hind quarters, characterized by a biotindeficiency; extreme weakness and labor breathing and the inability tostand, produced by a choline deficiency; loss of appetite, diarrhea,weakness and convulsions have been attributed to d-pantothenic aciddeficiencies; and hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the mouth, lesionsin the corner of the mouth and along the lips, loss of hair and excesssalivation are attributable to a riboflavin deficiency. Further, athiamine deficiency in calves may cause polio encephalomalacia, which ischaracterized by listlessness, muscular incoordination, progressiveblindness, convulsions and sudden death; a vitamin B₆ deficiency canresult in a loss of appetite, cessation of growth and after about threemonths, epileptic fits in some but not all calves; a vitamin B₁₂deficiency can result in muscular weakness and general poor condition; aniacin deficiency can result in weight loss, diarrhea and/or dermatitis;and folic acid deficiency can produce megaloblastic anemia orleucopenia.

By feeding preruminant calves appropriate amounts of these water solublevitamins, ill health effects from lack of these vitamins can beprevented until the calves are able to produce these vitamins in theirfunctional rumens. The amount of each of these vitamins administered topreruminant calves must be sufficient to prevent harmful syndromes anddiseases brought about by lack of these vitamins. Moreover, excessiveamounts of these vitamins in the feed fortifier should be avoided so asto prevent unnecessary cost and possible vitamin toxicity to the animal.The minimum and maximum concentration of each of these vitaminscontained in the feed fortifier of the invention is given in Table 1.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Water Soluble Vitamins Contained in Feed Fortifier                                           Minimum    Maximum                                             VITAMIN        Concentration*                                                                           Concentration*                                      ______________________________________                                        choline chloride                                                                             143.75     575.00                                              vitamin C      62.50      250.00                                              niacin         50.00      200.00                                              d-pantothenic acid                                                                           25.00      100.00                                              riboflavin     10.00      40.00                                               thiamine       6.25       25.00                                               pyridoxine     2.50       10.00                                               folic acid     0.31       1.25                                                vitamin B.sub.12                                                                             0.02       0.10                                                biotin         0.02       0.10                                                ______________________________________                                         *milligrams per pound (mg/lb).                                           

Bovine species, including preruminant calves, require supplementation offat soluble vitamins A, D₃, E and K. Although vitamin D₃ may besynthesized in the skin of the calf by the action of ultravioletradiation, young calves that are kept indoors, especially in wintertime,may suffer from a vitamin D₃ deficiency. Therefore, it is important toadd vitamin D₃ to a balanced feed fortifier for preruminant calves.Rumen microbes usually synthesize adequate amounts of vitamin K to meetthe needs of mature bovine. However, young preruminant calves, whoserumen is not fully functional, should be supplemented with vitamin K.

Vitamin A deficiency can result in lacrimation, night blindness, slowgrowth, diarrhea, convulsive seizures, improper bone growth, blindnessand susceptibility to respiratory and other infections. In order toprevent these vitamin A deficiency symptoms in preruminant calves,sufficient amounts of vitamin A are included in the feed fortifier ofthe present invention.

For calves that are raised indoors, supplementation of vitamin D₃ isespecially important. Vitamin D₃ deficiency in young calves can resultin rickets, the symptoms of which are: decreased appetite, loweredgrowth rate, digestive disturbances, stiffness in gait, laboredbreathing, irritability, weakness and occasionally convulsions. However,by supplying the feed fortifier of the present invention which containssufficient amounts of vitamin D₃, problems associated with this vitamindeficiency will be avoided.

Vitamin E is an important nutrient for preruminant calves. Musculardystrophy (commonly called "white muscle disease") is characterized byheart failure and paralysis varying in severity from slight lameness toinability to stand; this disease can occur in preruminant calves notreceiving adequate levels of vitamin E.

Vitamin E has also been found to stimulate the immune response in bovinespecies. A high level of vitamin E will enhance immune function incalves and thereby provide better resistance to disease.

By supplying the preruminant calf with appropriate amounts of vitamin Ein the feed fortifier of the invention, ill health effects due todeficiency syndromes will be avoided and the overall health of theanimal will be improved.

Vitamin K is synthesized in large amounts in the rumen of bovinespecies. Preruminant calves, however, lack sufficient rumen colonizationby mutualistic microbes to produce needed amounts of vitamin K.Therefore, by supplying vitamin K in the feed fortifier of the presentinvention, appropriate amounts of the vitamin will be supplied to thecalf prior to its developing an active level of beneficial rumenmicrobes.

The amount of each of these vitamins provided by the feed fortifier ofthe present invention must be at a sufficient level to prevent thediseases and symptoms associated with deficiencies of the fat solublevitamins. Further, excessive amounts of these vitamins in the feedfortifier should be avoided so as to prevent unnecessary cost andpossible vitamin toxicity to the animal. The minimum and maximumconcentration of each of these vitamins contained in the feed fortifierof the invention is given in Table 2.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                        Fat-Soluble Vitamin Content of Feed Fortifier                                                Minimum    Maximum                                             VITAMIN        Concentration*                                                                           Concentration*                                      ______________________________________                                        vitamin A      200,700    801,400                                             vitamin D.sub.3                                                                               51,000    201,000                                             vitamin E         600       2400                                              menadione          5.sup.A                                                                                  20.sup.A                                        dimethylpyrimidinol                                                           bisulfite                                                                     (vitamin K)                                                                   ______________________________________                                         *international units per pound (IU/lb feed fortifier), unless otherwise       noted.                                                                        .sup.A milligrams per pound (mg/lb feed fortifier).                      

Preruminant calves are susceptible to a host of syndromes caused bymineral deficiencies. Some of these essential minerals include cobalt,copper, iodine, iron, manganese, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. Adeficiency of cobalt may result in loss of appetite and severe anemia incalves. A lack of copper in the diet of young calves may result instraight pasterns causing the calves to stand forward on their toes. Alack of iodine in the diet of preruminant calves may result inhairlessness or, more importantly, goiter. Deficiency of iron may resultin anemia, listlessness, pale mucous membrane, and reduced appetite andweight gain. A manganese deficiency can result in reduced growth rate,defective blood clotting and/or skeletal deformities in the calves. Amagnesium deficiency in preruminant calves may result in eitherdefective bones and teeth or tetany within the calves. Therefore, it isessential to supply proper amounts of magnesium to preruminant calves.Further, a lack of selenium in the diet of preruminant calves can resultin white muscle disease, whereas a calf having a zinc deficient diet maysuffer from stiffness of joints, rough scaly skin, parakeratosis andretarded growth.

Therefore, the feed fortifier of the present invention providessufficient levels of these essential minerals to preruminant calves inorder to prevent symptoms associated with deficiencies of theseminerals. A sufficient amount of each mineral must be present in thefeed fortifier in order to be effective in preventing these symptoms;excessive amounts of these minerals should be avoided so as to preventunnecessary cost and possible toxicity. The minimum and maximumconcentration of each of these minerals contained in the feed fortifieris listed in Table 3.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                        Mineral Content Contained in Feed Fortifier                                   MINERAL    Minimum Amount*                                                                            Maximum Amount*                                       ______________________________________                                        iron       437.5        1750. 0                                               zinc       437.5        1750.0                                                manganese  225.0        900.0                                                 copper     32.5         130.0                                                 magnesium  25.0         100.0                                                 iodine     5.0          20.0                                                  selenium   1.5          6.0                                                   cobalt     0.5          2.0                                                   ______________________________________                                         *parts per million (ppm).                                                

The vitamins and minerals may be supplied on an individual basis to thefeed fortifier or some or all of the vitamins and minerals may besupplied by the use of a premix.

Premixes are concentrated blends of micronutrients and/or specialtyingredients that are added to feeds and supplements. Use of commercialpremixes may allow the user to save time and effort in preparing thefeed fortifier of the present invention. Premixes are generallycommercially prepared and consist of vitamins, minerals, and perhapsother additives, along with a carrier, formulated for blending with alarger mix. Rather than purchasing individual micronutrients andsubsequently mixing the feed fortifier from these individualingredients, it is possible to use a commercial premix to supply some orall of the micronutrients. The preferred premix which may be used tosupply most or all of the micronutrients in the present invention isMerrick's Herd Replacer Premix #366 (Merrick's, Inc., Middleton, Wis.).

The feed fortifier of the present invention also contains variouselectrolytes available in a biocompatible and biodegradable form.Electrolytes are essential for the preruminant calves in order tomaintain a variety of vital body functions. Some electrolytes may alsofunction as essential minerals for preruminant calves. Essentialelectrolytes which help maintain proper function in the preruminantcalves include salts of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, andcombinations thereof in a biocompatible, biologically active form. Thepreferred salts include sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, magnesiumsulfate, potassium chloride, and calcium lactate. Optionally, additionalelectrolytes, including chloride and bicarbonate salts, may be added tothe feed fortifier. All electrolytes may be supplied individually orthrough the use of an electrolyte premix. The preferred electrolytepremix used in the present invention is Merrick's Blue Ribbon CalfElectrolyte Pack (Merrick's, Inc., Middleton, Wis.). The minimum andmaximum amounts of these electrolytes contained within the feedfortifier are listed in Table 4.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                        Electrolyte Content of Feed Fortifier                                                        Minimum    Maximum                                             ELECTROLYTE    Concentration*                                                                           Concentration*                                      ______________________________________                                        sodium         560        2800                                                magnesium      50         250                                                 potassium      30         150                                                 calcium        20         100                                                 ______________________________________                                         *parts per million (ppm).                                                

The feed fortifier of the present invention also includesthio-2-propene-1-sulfinic acid S-allyl ester (allicin). Allicin is anaturally occurring antimicrobial material found in garlic (Alliumsativum). Allicin has been shown to have extensive activity inpreventing the growth of many bacteria, viruses and even protozoa, suchas coccidia and cryptosporidia. However, a unique characteristic ofallicin is that it has no inhibitory effects on the beneficial lacticacid bacteria found in the intestinal tract of the preruminant calf,leaving the beneficial lactic acid bacteria free to proliferate andcolonize the intestinal tract of the calf, while inhibiting the growthof pathogenic microbes. Allicin is present in the feed fortifier of thepresent invention, but in amounts of less than about 2% by weight.Allicin may be added to the feed fortifier by direct addition to theproduct, or by adding extract of garlic containing allicin to theproduct. Further, the allicin may be added to the feed fortifier byusing a commercial preparation containing allicin. In the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the allicin is contained in acommercial preparation which is added to the feed fortifier; thepreferred commercial preparation is Enteroguard™ (Pharmax Biologicals,Minnetonka, Minn.).

The present invention further contains direct fed microbials included inorder to help prevent colonization of the calf's intestinal tract bypathogenic microorganisms. The term "direct fed microbials" is hereindefined as viable, mutualistic bacteria.

At birth, the calf's intestinal tract is essentially sterile. The skinof the calf is colonized by the microbes upon passing through the birthcanal of the mother, and inoculation of the calf's intestinal tractfollows by bacteria entering through the mouth of the calf. The firstorganism to become established in the gut of the preruminant calf is E.coli, followed by various species of Streptococci, and Clostridiumperfringens and then by various Lactobacilli. Within 5-6 hours afterbirth, E. coli are restricted to the ileum, but within 8 hours afterbirth are found in the abomasum at levels of approximately 1,000 permilliliter. In normal healthy calves, E. coli counts will peak in 1-4days and then subside as the Lactobacilli become predominant. TheseLactobacilli help the preruminant calf in digestion. The period of timebefore Lactobacilli become the dominant species within the intestinaltract is a dangerous one for the neonatal calf. Colonization bypathogenic strains of E. coli may result in localized infections thatcan lead to the death of the calf.

In order to ensure that the lactic acid bacteria are present insufficient numbers, and to further ensure colonization in the intestinaltract by mutualistic bacteria rather than pathogenic bacteria, directfed microbials are added to the feed fortifier. These bacteria includeBacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis,Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus lactis, Streptococcus diacetylactis, and mixtures thereof.The bacteria are present, but in amounts of less than about 1% byweight.

The direct fed microbials may be provided by adding viable bacteria orfermentation product containing the viable bacteria directly to the feedfortifier, or may be contained as ingredients in the various commercialpreparations used in the feed fortifier.

The feed fortifier of the present invention further comprisesfructooligosaccharides (FOS), present but at less than about 2% byweight. FOS are special types of sugar derivatives found in manynaturally occurring products which may be used by beneficial bacterialsuch as Bifidobacterium species and Lactobacillus acidophilus as anenergy source, while being much less available to pathogenic organismssuch as E. coli and Clostridium. Adding FOS to the feed fortifier willhelp the beneficial bacteria become more dominant within the calf'sintestinal tract. Other sugars, including glucose, may be added.

Further, amino acids and/or mineral supplements not previously listedmay be added to the feed fortifier of the present invention to provideadditional nutritional benefits to preruminant calves. These additionalingredients may be added separately or may be contained within one ormore of the premixes or commercial preparations used to formulate thefeed fortifier.

The balance of the feed fortifier comprises a high quality proteiningredient which is readily digestible by preruminant calves. Thisprotein source acts as a carrier for the feed fortifier. Such proteinsources may include, by way of example only, casein, skim milk, whey,and whey protein concentrate. The preferred protein ingredient in thepresent invention is whey.

In order to supply preruminant calves with the feed fortifier of thepresent invention, approximately one ounce of the feed fortifier ismixed with about two quarts of whole milk, unsalable milk, reconstitutedmilk replacer, or other suitable liquid feed. The liquid containing thefeed fortifier is then fed to the calf by conventional means. Feedcontaining approximately one ounce of the feed fortifier should be fedto the preruminant calf as required, preferably twice per day, in orderto supply the calf with a consistent and high quality nutritional dietand to effectively protect the calf against pathogenic microorganisms.

The feed fortifier of the present invention is prepared according toExample 1.

Example 1 - Preparation of Feed Fortifier

Liquid condensed whey (40% solids) and liquid animal plasma (18% solids)are preheated to 80° F. and pumped into a stainless steel tank. Theliquid blend is simultaneously mixed and heated to 150° F. for 45minutes for pasteurization. After pasteurization, the liquid blend issifted through a 140 mesh screen into another heated holding tank. Fromthis tank, it is pumped to a spray dryer. The inlet temperature isapproximately 360° F. and the exhaust temperature is 150° F. The liquidblend of whey and plasma is atomized through the nozzle orifices and thewater is evaporated from the product. The dried powder drops to thedryer floor by gravity. The dried blend is then conveyed from the dryerto a cooler which reduces the temperature to approximately 80° F. Theapproximate cooling time is 8 minutes. Once cooling is completed thedried blend is sifted through a 14 mesh screen. The blended product ispackaged for use in further manufacturing of the feed fortifier of thepresent invention.

The dried blend of whey and animal plasma is weighed and placed into a1000 pound double ribbon stainless steel mixer. All additional feedfortifier ingredients are weighed and added to the mixer as follows:Merrick's Herd Replacer Premix #366 (Merrick's, Inc., Middleton, Wis.),Merrick's Blue Ribbon Calf Electrolyte Pack (Merrick's Inc., Middleton,Wis.), vitamin E (60,000 IU/pound), vitamin A (7,562,000 IU/pound),Enteroguard™ and vitamin D₃ (15,000,000 IU/pound). All dry ingredientscomprising the feed fortifier are simultaneously blended together for 5minutes. After blending is completed, the product is sifted through a 14mesh screen prior to packaging.

Although the invention has been described with some specificity, thoseof skill in the art will recognize numerous variations and modificationsof the specifics that are within the spirit of the invention. Thevariations and modifications are also within the scope of the inventionas disclosed and claimed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A feed fortifier and enhancer for a preruminantcalf comprising:about 50-75% by weight protein ingredient; about 10-50%by weight animal plasma; about 2.5-10% by weight micronutrients,selected from the group consisting of cobalt, copper, iodine, iron,magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, choline chloride, vitamin C,niacin, d-pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, menadionedimethylpyrimidinol bisulfite, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin E,vitamin A, vitamin D₃, vitamin B₁₂, biotin, biocompatible salts thereofand mixtures thereof; electrolytes at less than about 2.5% by weightelectrolytes selected from the group consisting of salts of sodium,magnesium, potassium, calcium and combinations thereof, with theelectrolytes being in a biocompatible form; about 0.8-3.4% by weight ofa vitamin E ingredient,, when the vitamin E concentration in the vitaminE ingredient is approximately 60,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; about0.3-1.4% by weight a vitamin A ingredient, when the vitamin Aconcentration in the vitamin A ingredient is approximately 7,562,000IU/lb of the ingredient; about 0.1-0.4% by weight of a vitamin D₃ingredient, when the vitamin D₃ concentration in the vitamin D₃ingredient is approximately 15,000,000 IU/lb of the ingredient; allicin,at less than about 2.0% by weight; fructooligosaccharides, at less thanabout 2.0% by weight; and direct fed microbials, at less than about 1.0%by weight, which are selected from the group consisting of Bacilluscoagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacteriumbifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacilluslactis, Streptococcus diacetylactis; and mixtures thereof.
 2. A methodof supplying a feed fortifier and enhancer to a preruminant calf,comprising:dissolving about one ounce of the feed fortifier and enhancerof claim 1 in about two quarts of liquid feed; and feeding the liquidfeed containing the feed fortifier and enhancer to the preruminant calf.3. The method of claim 2 wherein the liquid feed is selected from thegroup consisting of whole milk, unsalable milk, and reconstituted milkreplacer.
 4. A feed fortifier and enhancer composition for preruminantcalves, comprising:animal plasma; viable mutualistic bacteria; and aproteinaceous carrier component for said plasma and said viablebacteria.
 5. The composition of claim 4 wherein said animal plasma ispresent at about 10 to about 50% by weight.
 6. The composition of claim5 wherein said animal plasma is present at about 25 to about 26% byweight.
 7. The composition of claim 4 further includingfructooligosaccharides.